tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16500834365328965942024-02-19T11:46:19.162-05:00Our Silly Family BlogA Blog of Sweet Alta, Cute Chloe, Beautiful Jenna and a Mom trying to make a difference.Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-8139650833259657072011-03-04T01:41:00.007-05:002011-03-04T09:23:34.429-05:00Refinishing a toy chest<div>We were given a nice sturdy Disney toy chest for Alta many, many years ago... okay probably 9 years. It has made several moves, held lots of toys and stuff. It has become very beat up and scratched. I still need it for Jenna's toys, but it was too scratched up to enjoy. I came across a blog that discusses refinishing furniture, thanks to Cheryl Hunter. The site is... <a href="http://allthingsthrifty.com/">Here</a> I got inspired, so I decided to try it out.<br /><br />First find inspirational fabric.. fabric is limited here in Stephenville, so I found the best I could. (I wanted it done yesterday, to hide all her toys.) The fabric with batting will make a nice soft top so it could not only help with clutter, but provide little spot to sit and ponder the wonders of the world to a toddler. Second find a matching spray paint. The website recommended Krylon spray paint because it sprays and looks the nicest finished. It also recommends you prime with Kilz spray primer.<br /><br />Okay, here is the before picture.. I had already primed the very front... It had a similar pooh picture as the top but just covering the entire front. The primer covered it nicely after 3 coats.<br /><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580117124412387122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtf5k8ZsRnTEkV-nwkfQgeLFrraCGvMHrYK2q48JhadKPxn3iOFNs5oKw5fjRIcYbFtDBl7Cm-rRi532tqJ-3xdNWj5sFJiEy1z_Uzw-GAKF18HN4RkHmEV6aRQTJgnQZ1XO9auM8iqc/s320/christmas+and+crafts+205.JPG" /><br />This is the finished product with 3 coats of watermelon Kryon paint, batting and fabric stapled to the box. I was pleased that the spray paint dried in 10 min. I really did this in one days time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BjuCsjf-VLmyAZMqQuqB9g2FsESOP_UJAr0Jc5WI-UgK13zRdY5Qdy5PS1x_ckpRIO8mHMnT0rnl9e5Uw7GX5xv8umvpm2l0aUWowTkMraSLfqhyphenhyphenzO9aKNr7OMXEvbZvy58QkrrCeb4/s1600/christmas+and+crafts+206.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580116558644110242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5BjuCsjf-VLmyAZMqQuqB9g2FsESOP_UJAr0Jc5WI-UgK13zRdY5Qdy5PS1x_ckpRIO8mHMnT0rnl9e5Uw7GX5xv8umvpm2l0aUWowTkMraSLfqhyphenhyphenzO9aKNr7OMXEvbZvy58QkrrCeb4/s320/christmas+and+crafts+206.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580115957862366226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmGq34Qju46YgP40rxn56gSe35G77qP5zk4TTj0-O694oWS8OhpmB4BaE2c2VRPbjwjN4mdpVkc_Z9XCDrT6a8Kmei00jwVJgdbDXPzEESzNAA4p5f9eT09mXKMhh7mwuwYPtJER6im0/s200/christmas+and+crafts+207.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580229743735269874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOUvjs7VDOsa79fVfguVAx0M4GGhZhazUzPmrzfPZa2KAl_An_G_UD5XoZ419nTMB3nFwGiNo75jspf7cIuRWf9hrtvG7XDRKceywGaLjIOGWofn-cONK5ngsE_AKvc0ZeOikPclL8sw/s320/Jenna+enjoying+own+space+002.JPG" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBH1QbTsirAEPY4ZOo50cpgvx9AGjNB76FnAQWPok-GhDjNnPzbkIoNVxl14dOOyQMq16hVl0OPcCU5LN9s9n7AQreynB6SGTctWOHQzXIqUmA9ooTPOGDai5fDxUqxE0mzwe1g-s-7U/s1600/christmas+and+crafts+208.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5580115454306094946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBH1QbTsirAEPY4ZOo50cpgvx9AGjNB76FnAQWPok-GhDjNnPzbkIoNVxl14dOOyQMq16hVl0OPcCU5LN9s9n7AQreynB6SGTctWOHQzXIqUmA9ooTPOGDai5fDxUqxE0mzwe1g-s-7U/s200/christmas+and+crafts+208.JPG" /></a><br />Here is a toy box I am happy to have in my girls room.</div><br /><div>Jenna has already enjoyed sitting on top. She gets all excited that she can climb on top and have her own spot to sit. So fun and easy. Every little bit of toy management is greatly appreciated.<br /><br /><div>Now lets fill it up.<br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div>Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-45179926432704954412010-12-17T17:30:00.011-05:002010-12-17T23:46:11.234-05:00How to Make a paper Christmas StarFor this project we used 8x11 card stock, but can be done with regular paper. (In fact it is probably easier) You will need 6 pieces of paper, some scotch tape, and a stapler. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551783939862645890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6bJU00_ZUzmZqYh_lPDVc-xOPy8xK_vBZVES0uOdWmkVxgNm2Jgmwj4tAAWypcRBdj1JxTR4TMUGaiDxU703kP_2q-KN890jEA8y1PaDqsFFZQDoCeooovtFSGGZdqMIcBsF20TnQa0/s200/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%25282%2529.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551783947752858530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKZD8AfGQZsOaSf9qnVHa5B4_FBtSadMsH2i8rDAoQgRcGZYan4zRO8NunrW3b4v0Iqt7Gy9nGDjr-GlaABfP-MBf41L0XKAMM5VNXigEFoa_XcY1UuxB52fZvXHglMv2x4OyJ5VQNz4/s200/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%25283%2529.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551783951062597234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbhspOVe9dNvl-YubrkvwNK4WBh4NLPluXChJyQK72YANWPvAu7hoH-MxikI9_QXuFgP2caKweXtoWQNAWPrI9__O5RzfrvJhgdIzncsRRDcMJlc-VgLxP3yePNVUP74qxwlcdUDwHDk/s200/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%25284%2529.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551783952665031074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-JDhcpdWyFDM_5uQOKvaUVFUlMD-F1-uzGaZwLaTIxEsaiqMwhLXamrk9NTVzlPSiCqFatuWzgEV9eSW3ARwutZ-iQL0S9TfM4lYrfPTis5XfK_GfYGbvl7qHSTUpYMkBKssVHXBQnQ/s200/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%25285%2529.JPG" /><br />Goal is to make a folded square piece of paper.<br />Now, imagine a line from the open point to the folded edge dividing the triangle in 1/2. Next you will be cutting from the folded edge towards the point/ imaginary line, making 4 cuts down each side as shown in pics totalling 8 cuts all together. Do not have the cuts pass the imaginary line( leave about 1/4 inch of space)<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551788141442871218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVvCwfdiiTg8trUF7nB3YGDimariVsap1e-Js8btqtrCbU0BiX-H1bEag6uF3wFsxIsj_fp16urIIT0UWEhhFAzJVFnOCgon7E5fr5ervTcEyEcHLT2WZnzgWFp4iqMKOzZyObWyWydg/s320/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%25286%2529.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551788136095774306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeeQ1_FSBdBsiIMJ1k4jUuDFbZ9UmlIPRrbY-J2OUlKTb3EPSrnSe_Kcx9ZPObsERPlBUv9lVHV8e6P042GY3r101_qmECMnR0qpiYsyLAZXnPYDdd3ZYjkpfRLkWnsHYdQjw0JZZSgM/s320/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%25287%2529.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551788134165014562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TThuxcgldkhLDjr58TPM2bZZkoqf8zSUzMjtxiiH0byU0KCCr7abiNTo97ai8269wGftFsXFuI_ySWP93XwYBqPS69VVb0lCokF5wC51yo6M1G27sn9qJJiuHiM9rGXWtURapsCWvSE/s320/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%25288%2529.JPG" /><br /><br />The space between the cuts are approx 1/2 inch.<br /></div><div> </div><div>Now the fun part:</div><br /><br /><div>Open the paper</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551791101736529234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3R7R3_VrKXvJyleS50eFhD94_qNz6c6VoL5jygOl6FxIR5hlFYy4AzO0bx_otv4wzSld-PS-_pzhl4oBcTW_c9R6UblHbY3vf1zdj30NBN6-hNkPFDFu055YY1mNrX3h5jj8WKadz18/s200/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%25289%2529.JPG" />See the center square, 2 corners of the inside square are attached to the rest of the paper and there are 2 corners that have been cut. Pull those 2 points together and tape them. I kind of rolled the paper to mold it into a cylinder to help it stay circular.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551793056256823138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnbLoyn3f2hjAFoeveZtwSA0WZj_XafqfXqrsmaqTxu86FxAkWxfQJa8y1iAJaycRKFMIQSg51W-bPK73fZbRnnwkuWePsFQ7YqGKajXgj46hgzsxwl71SqQPi65jXVpdsRI8OIBja2E/s200/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%252811%2529.JPG" /><br /><div>Next,<strong> turn the paper over</strong>, grab the next set of flaps and you will staple them together or if the stapler doesn't fit, you can tape it.<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551794491995936578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Dqik04v3pTFH99z82UBxKFgNZhG1T0j1TWsKMm6ySTMscXaEBRmxosDAJC_N_sLIjBL6hyphenhyphen0ein4fBovnrgXuKlv8vmD7E-ejGlUqWHrz6CpUTEnwi1pp53RnrsRceOx739QOZCcpmLA/s320/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%252812%2529.JPG" />Now <strong>flip it</strong> back over and attach the next flaps. Go back and forth till it is all stapled.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551796860576170818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cDSNLJ7KJW8zD56Y4fhmlUjL8oEg59Q9WDYB4fNlSRWCPw4Ee25mALdRLtOWuU_Ja8JX3CC_K5T7SA9xy0h8s3RpU4cjg8tVlUNCPTbHPpWIYeEb0LggoJj9Onv6BM1z55OyCWmG2l0/s200/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%252814%2529.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551796864345965138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimy857S2ikmTcYtUJPRCVy6GGboBzjosqO0jtYWXMa4D9PHy009F6-UIl8Nxo3_O_07hFzvHz4EBs-7522yCj2T_Qn3wo1mpKwIHSYhkzMzbSGcmnWtQZJFpz3xxF3ol90g4bwGg8qG14/s200/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%252815%2529.JPG" /> You will need to make six of these or just use one as a decoration.</div><br /><div>Now you attach them together. The sides are just stapled to each other, and then the bottom points will be stapled together. I find it easiest to make sets of three and then attach the two halves together as shown in the following pictures.<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551799315492364722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuh9JNnsXBWZF7PwMTvWoDYnJ30lj6ipFphnrVOa3Oq57rIq9mDz1G-la3hsHhXLwzsFPYV4gBNepuIXv6ALSHokrtKoNZk_3XtQjisyKnhFYULP-dJ-0UZaJ0zTJ5bRChyj0MUA54dN0/s200/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%252816%2529.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551799317921122418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmvF1j2yNiFOjisKf_2kc8LanlKBn4rNK4G0BVGakvAzGWOBirC1AH-toeH2tn1RKu3uclJFvpvtUqOpJi4AQG5HpnX_2ixrFWSyKYcQJitRYnsYinJxJWN-Jq0L4TDSPzTh861X3Bkw/s200/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%252819%2529.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551869860179717234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsto22c7huBWzL7kHJHS4rL3LpLhbcKKcufD068n7Qheg0ZxJzxPYFZY-kVviT90R3rcHcCL83IlM5L6U7sD850vACCj_0K4M89qGVR3BoFWpBBsszc69dmk-mpSLh1-ro-mEdrtbz7BU/s200/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%252820%2529.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551869865836422578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMm81KXPxxxxjXQjOdsPozqxZe68ZqTXKJSF8bkVasdExRDnyQxoA2cYy7v1nZj1-bgmtElsVCZk0phxGtkGPt_1Ysx-6oQADj4-qjueoCN0Br8Bbb3gI0nxd_Q9jk1M8Yts9bdqfNXo/s200/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%252821%2529.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551869872298604594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcpEfeos_bGd5B4tIYQMJmzzsvz4GLKhOoM36rVHKdlObRlCkM80_O6VrXIKk0N9hMreu49up2GjFrjN-KpbZ1V27rYmc5uasqqggxVdmkmv7F__FjWb2TtTuJS3V-WwGHOJ8Ermm6U4/s200/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%252822%2529.JPG" />Now to finish...</div><br /><div>Staple the first top sides together, then the middle, then the bottom sides.<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551873188474037666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLH7CbQSXgv7743anDLJAtzF__NOTWG9i647YhyX58O5Mk7g3cXO8-_Ns0c6y5DF-HMxDzmAq4W52_BXndxz4J_ss5dTY1zABDwNkpG9c8_v5D_I6xaTjUZuZY5QsDDPuQxWJOdgnUtk/s200/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%252823%2529.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551873190759613282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EwrKJLSbg1wWF4VCg1G5AVFGBi9vVvFqOUCuuzuVhRGWQpa4ZmErQi9vtO_gW5b0lmD-JwmwoqgMCUIGaaQDOZHZ_Y-hbWHMS5EWFCItx4X06FzVawm3CZvZWmi9r5bEMYmEJI4nKcY/s200/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%252824%2529.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551873190493834114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY6iY9UnHxsBOvGsVqL29MOlGapi_aGsHIIWhpKf0jmVvpaFiD9gORZu22uzQFrPOF5fcaPc2PvNN4XF_vHDiWN1SE0F0XULm3yp9-ttfgx5WXR66R1xH8DuOPHoUaxQj8U4C4jFcsQA/s200/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%252825%2529.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551873193185357682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCQ8RBE5lenJ4pFVZZ6_qBI8wrwHhHl96mk8LOeVF1PD6QkdkRW5D_XJBu-IncCMfsi-EPBcADZXqtBG3DxLCEmrL2JeJ3tjs5NNPB59eMEqpsXsU9N88QIyWSpXIV-l95FQp6RCyxUE/s200/Making+fancy+paper+stars+%25281%2529.JPG" />Voila! A large, beautiful, impressive, paper Star or Snowflake. Depends on your point of view. They are fun to make. Merry Christmas!</div><div>Enjoy </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-8370306147776638142009-05-16T22:55:00.002-04:002009-05-16T23:16:32.614-04:00Pregnant with number 3, December 23rdIt is true. We discovered a short while ago that Max and I are expecting number 3. Now granted there was some shock value behind this, so much I was struck unfunctionable for a day. I had just become accepting of having 2 beautiful girls, satisfied as one may say, finished trying for another, after 4 1/2 years of trying. I was accepting what was before me, instead of my instinct. Instead of my hubby's feelings there was one more. I was ready to be happy with 2. There were moments of... I can afford 2. I can develop properly 2. A moment of grateful I am not in the baby stages, and worried about our world, bringing one more into this greedy world. One may feel 4 1/2 years of trying... and not being pregnant meant I was not able to be pregnant. My ability was finished, I need to be grateful I carried 2 beautiful children....... and beautiful they are. They are the light of my life. I love hearing their laughter, their discoveries, their delight in life. I enjoy helping them overcome obstacles, helping them help others, and realize the world is bigger than you and I. We are here to help others become who they need to become.<br />As the paradigm has shifted in my eyes about the size of my family, excitement and awe has filled my life. There is no doubt that this child is a gift from God. A child He has decided needs to be in our family, a child I will get the privilege of rearing and helping and training to be raised to fulfill His plan. I feel honored and very humble at this opportunity to, with my husband, bring another child of God into this world. To discover with this child the abilities, strengths and weaknesses. To help conquer obstacles and be triumphant!<br />I thought I had a little control over this aspect of my life, but I have come to realize I don't. I am at the mercy of God in this avenue. So through the nausea, messy house, tired days, hormonal, and very uncomfortable months, I get to experience a little miracle in creating life. Cherishing the moments.Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-27906780765727069132009-03-23T10:23:00.001-04:002009-03-23T10:58:39.457-04:00Rocking Pancakes!!!Seriously, i will never by instant pancake mix again. These were so perfect. Better than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">McDonalds</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">IHOPS</span>. <br />This recipe gives you a pancake mix first (instead of Bisquick) as a bulk amount then you can pull from this when ever you want to make pancakes adding 2 eggs, butter and buttermilk. (I never use buttermilk, I use regular milk putting reg white vinegar to curdle it a little, it works great!)<br />Very easy!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/instant-pancake-mix-recipe/index.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/instant-pancake-mix-recipe/index.html</a>Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-38028582832941540562009-02-04T09:33:00.005-05:002009-02-04T11:07:45.486-05:00Tagged, you may be nextTagged by Kate. <span style="font-size:180%;">8's</span><br /><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;">8 TV Shows or Movies I watch regularly</span><br /></div><div><span style="color:#3333ff;">1. Wedding Singer-- Max and I love to relive the 80's</span></div><div><span style="color:#3333ff;">2. Pretty Woman- Love Julia Roberts</span></div><div><span style="color:#3333ff;">3. My Fair Lady</span></div><div><span style="color:#3333ff;">4. The Bourne Trilogy</span></div><div><span style="color:#3333ff;">5. The Biggest Loser</span></div><div><span style="color:#3333ff;">6. Days of our Lives-- I know, I know!!!</span></div><div><span style="color:#3333ff;">7. CSI- Las Vegas -I still enjoy the science</span></div><div><span style="color:#3333ff;">8. Lord of the Rings Trilogy</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#993399;"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;"><span style="font-size:180%;">8 Things that happened yesterday</span>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#993399;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">1. I woke up with Chloe next to my side</span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">2. Alta got ready very well for school, right up out of bed, dressed before I can say a word. Great job Alta.</span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">3. Chloe did her piano practice with out complaining</span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">4. I went to the bank. </span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">5. I found a very fun kids learning store. They even have Madame Alexander Dolls. This matters because growing up we collected these dolls. They had the whole Wizard of Oz collection. Very nice.</span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">6. I took Alta to a Dr.'s appt. She has lost 2 more pounds.. Dr isn't worried. I need to make sure she is eating healthier.</span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">7. I talked to Lauren, Michelle & Tammy on the phone.</span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">8. I did dishes. Whoooo hooo.</span> </div><br /><div></div><div><span style="color:#996633;"><span style="font-size:180%;">8 Favorite places to EAT</span> </span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#996633;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;">1. Piatto Novo in Cuyahoga Falls, Sheridan Suites Inn</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;">2. Melting Pot</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;">3. Cheesecake Factory</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;">4. Quiznos</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;">5. Chipotle</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;">6. Olive Gardens</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;">7. My Mom Dinners</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;">8. Home</span></div><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#993399;">8 things I am looking forward to</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#993399;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">1. warmer days</span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">2. Our 10th anniversary</span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">3. New car/ van/ SUV.. we cannot decide, but we need one pretty soon</span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">4. Being Out of Debt, we haven't used a a credit card in 5 years.</span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">5. Being at a healthy weight, you wouldn't know it by my favorite places to eat.</span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">6. Playing the piano with out make mistakes or nervous in front of other people.</span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">7. I am with Kate on this one, The Second Coming of Jesus Christ</span></div><div><span style="color:#993399;">8. Having all my needs met.</span></div><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#339999;">8 Things on my wish list</span></div><br /><div></div><div><span style="color:#339999;">1. To be warm, I am freezing right now. I need a blanket</span></div><div><span style="color:#339999;">2. For my dishes to be done. I get tired of doing the dishes, I did them yesterday and it keeps needing to be done.</span></div><div><span style="color:#339999;">3. For Alta to not grump at me when I am helping her with school work. It makes me a little crazy.</span></div><div><span style="color:#339999;">4. A new kitchen</span></div><div><span style="color:#339999;">5. To be on a game show, I love Family Feud</span></div><div><span style="color:#339999;">6. Max to get a promotion, but I am just extremely grateful my hubby has a good job at this time of recession.</span></div><div><span style="color:#339999;">7. Someone to organize my basement, so I don't have to.</span></div><div><span style="color:#339999;">8. To go on a cruise with my hubby to a warm exotic place.</span></div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">8 People I tag.. lucky you..I would love to ready your responses</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#cc0000;"></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">1. <a href="http://www.kevnkoi.blogspot.com/">Katrina</a></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">2. <a href="http://funwiththefranklins.blogspot.com/">Amy F.</a></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">3. <a href="http://ourcambodianadventure.blogspot.com/">Mom</a></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">4. <a href="http://kimlis2008.blogspot.com/">Phyllis</a></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">5. <a href="http://wholovesmimi.blogspot.com/">Mimi</a></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">6. <a href="http://buckeye-nut-lover.blogspot.com/">Vicki</a></span></div><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">7. <a href="http://kitchenfamily.blogspot.com/">Nikki</a></span></div><div><span style="color:#990000;"><a href="http://jumpontheblogwagon.blogspot.com/">8. Amy M.</a></span></div></div></div></div></div></div>Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-1027829308366879352009-02-01T21:22:00.006-05:002009-02-01T22:52:49.798-05:00Max is 39 Today!!!<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruXqG9EWHfceCFOIhJPEAaHOOBJ-6nNpTB123RYMD82YQR5wVLaCw5wsma4LAW5qhp4EiT_3lcMwEV6lOMXpXyDX8Mg8z0kfvPLKU6CuGYhGN8oEgjDVx8Eijsqj-aYo9TkLgl5KGBFQ/s1600-h/Max's+39th+birthday+007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298022672160302514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruXqG9EWHfceCFOIhJPEAaHOOBJ-6nNpTB123RYMD82YQR5wVLaCw5wsma4LAW5qhp4EiT_3lcMwEV6lOMXpXyDX8Mg8z0kfvPLKU6CuGYhGN8oEgjDVx8Eijsqj-aYo9TkLgl5KGBFQ/s400/Max's+39th+birthday+007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>To my husband. <span style="font-size:130%;">I am truly amazed at how much I love this man</span>. He is a very <span style="font-size:180%;">kind </span>and thoughtful person. I am so grateful for his <span style="font-size:85%;">willingness</span> to put up with me. He is a guy who has an intense devotional love for his family. He has <span style="font-size:180%;">grown</span> so much since I have met him. My husband is <span style="font-size:85%;">quiet </span>and usually <span style="font-size:130%;">deep in thought</span> or <span style="font-size:85%;">sleep</span>. He loves to make people <span style="font-size:130%;">smile and laugh.</span> He makes <span style="font-size:180%;">funny faces</span>, and has a <span style="font-size:85%;">noise </span>for everything. He can answer any <span style="font-size:180%;">music</span> question regarding Rock and roll. If you want to know a word or artist to a song, he is your guy. We always play name that song or artist on 80's night. (He always wins, even on the one hit wonders) He loves space, and stars and rockets stuff, <span style="font-size:180%;">NASA</span> is the perfect job for him. He loves being a part of such a fantastic program. He works on their budget and database. He is an amazing <span style="font-size:130%;">computer geek</span>. He can fix, find, create almost any program. His favorite pass time would be with his <span style="font-size:180%;">family</span> hanging out, or working on a project. He can be <span style="font-size:85%;">intense</span>, but it just makes him that much more of a <span style="font-size:180%;">softy</span> afterwards. He is a <span style="font-size:130%;">faith</span> filled man who loves and worships Jesus Christ. He desires to continually increase his relationship with his Heavenly Father and knows it is searching through <span style="font-size:130%;">prayer </span>he can discover the mysteries and <span style="font-size:180%;">truths</span> of this Universe.<br /></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdH1qqG2yl39E48ZJSZG-8L2RWfMi5eHfxpRclWoh5gbmLqvwHdcpHZ80dHfhAGC2cRWQn4f6zr8snEDGdEVAmDW-Lc7rH1qiUSnUE2KV7Cxd0cpk1BIpQWmI5LY4nr2k91JxMC-2HkUY/s1600-h/Max's+39th+birthday+017.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298023166073312322" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdH1qqG2yl39E48ZJSZG-8L2RWfMi5eHfxpRclWoh5gbmLqvwHdcpHZ80dHfhAGC2cRWQn4f6zr8snEDGdEVAmDW-Lc7rH1qiUSnUE2KV7Cxd0cpk1BIpQWmI5LY4nr2k91JxMC-2HkUY/s320/Max's+39th+birthday+017.JPG" border="0" /></a> I made him a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">rocken</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">current </span>birthday cake, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">cuz</span> cup cakes are so in.... </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Here is Max's Birthday interview:</div><br /><br /><div>If you could have one super-power, what would it be? Super <span style="font-size:180%;">Speedy</span>, so I can get my work done quickly.</div><br /><br /><div>What was the last chore you did? <span style="font-size:130%;">Laundry</span> (that is his only inside chore)</div><br /><br /><div>What is your favorite song? "<span style="font-size:130%;">Panama"</span> <span style="font-size:85%;">by Van <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Halen</span></span>, & "<span style="font-size:130%;">Pride and Joy" </span><span style="font-size:85%;">by Stevie Ray Vaughn</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtP-8eyPtX2IgDUrAODARMrzIjqBYy0U2srirKeYg_wCUVID7xO78VWA4Sv2Oc0OYDomkx9jz9Yh8wafUWnx9ZmyyTNOOKyTATul1RZRquopr-dOnWyFamBeMntlZer9eugF176NIicnQ/s1600-h/Max's+39th+birthday+006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298030876677167970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtP-8eyPtX2IgDUrAODARMrzIjqBYy0U2srirKeYg_wCUVID7xO78VWA4Sv2Oc0OYDomkx9jz9Yh8wafUWnx9ZmyyTNOOKyTATul1RZRquopr-dOnWyFamBeMntlZer9eugF176NIicnQ/s200/Max's+39th+birthday+006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>What do you like to eat for lunch?<span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Quizno's</span></span> Chicken <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Carbanera</span><br />What's the nicest thing you've done for someone in your family? I guess <span style="font-size:130%;">moved out</span> of my mom and dads house. <span style="font-size:180%;">Special date for my wife</span>... gave her flowers at work and a special dinner. (I love those <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">niceys</span>)<br />What makes you mad? <span style="font-size:85%;">Child Abuse</span></div><br /><div>Where would you like to go on <span style="font-size:130%;">vacation</span> next year? To Disney World w/ children<br />Who's the <span style="font-size:85%;">smartest </span>person in your family?<span style="font-size:130%;"> My wife</span>- Absolutely! (I did not tell him to say this)<br />How are you like <span style="font-size:130%;">Mom</span>? I am a people <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">pleaser</span><br />What's one thing that Mom always says to you? <span style="font-size:130%;">"How are those girls?"</span></div><br /><div>What's one thing that <span style="font-size:180%;">Dad</span> always says to you? "<span style="font-size:130%;">Catfish</span>"<br />What's one thing that you and your Dad do together that you'll always remember? deer hunting<br />If you had a million dollars, what's the <span style="font-size:130%;">first</span> thing you'd buy? <span style="font-size:180%;">New house</span><br />How do you know that Mommy and Daddy <span style="font-size:130%;">love</span> you? I just do.<br />What's your favorite breakfast food? <span style="font-size:85%;">Sausage <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">McMuffin</span></span></div><br /><div>What's your favorite <span style="font-size:180%;">TV</span> show? <span style="font-size:130%;">M.A.S.H.</span></div><br /><div>What's your favorite vegetable? Corn</div><br /><div>What toy would you never give away? <span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Wii</span></span> Game Console</div><br /><div>What's your favorite game? Fishing Frenzy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Wii</span> game<br />What's your favorite <span style="font-size:180%;">book</span>? The Book of Mormon</div><br /><div>What food would you eat every day if you could? I like <span style="font-size:180%;">Cheese</span><br />If you could choose a different name, what would it be? Keep Max, I love my name.<br />How do you like to wear your hair? Very short, but my wife doesn't like it.<br />What's the scariest thing you've ever done? <span style="font-size:130%;">Flew to D.C.</span> to meet a girl from online... that would me by wife.</div><br /><div>If you could <span style="font-size:180%;">eat</span> at any restaurant for the rest of your life, where would it be? T.G.I.Fridays, or Ruby Tuesday<br />What is your favorite candy bar? <span style="font-size:130%;">Skittles</span> <span style="font-size:78%;">is that a candy bar?</span></div><br /><div>What's your nickname?<span style="font-size:130%;"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Dic</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Dic</span></span> (his sister), <span style="font-size:180%;">DD</span> (his children), <span style="font-size:130%;">Mad Max</span> (His H. S Friends)</div><br /><div>What do you and your sister fight about? Can't remember the reasons, just that we did.</div><br /><div>What's under your <span style="font-size:130%;">bed</span>? Dust Bunnies<br />What's your favorite holiday? <span style="font-size:180%;">Christmas</span> or Easter, (I thought it would be Halloween.)</div><br /><div>What's the best present you ever got?Red white and blue <span style="font-size:180%;">Bike</span> with a banana seat. at 8 y.o.<br /></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298042900278576642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx32822XY2xj01DmHUjScsfE_v2DU2xzGEY0evQW5qseveYm7uqGWVdRgWy6Fn-AxnvmiEzRP9hE_R9JnQl9HW2euQRhtLLTcf0-JIJQn-JfVRHpse19aovUEMBjB-hczab4T6LXvNFp0/s200/Max's+39th+birthday+005.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-21842338913544884942009-01-16T10:30:00.002-05:002009-01-16T11:41:33.834-05:00InsightI got this list from sister in law, <a href="http://wholovesmimi.blogspot.com/">Mimi's blog</a>. I thought it gave some insight into who she is and want to do the same.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;">live</span> for peace<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YSXmZwGgBFIYVx01IkjwAnmYd0Qpf3vFMbsc1fCN3VALee8N07x_q9UgTHh8r9Kj2IwnP_0GUm1BCvoVKvN9XJnU-Y1_LR1JsDYdy5Sb55Y9D6FKvAst1n78_AcT4uKywzPzQBFDTO0/s1600-h/flower+seed+packet.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291930921848815378" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 143px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6YSXmZwGgBFIYVx01IkjwAnmYd0Qpf3vFMbsc1fCN3VALee8N07x_q9UgTHh8r9Kj2IwnP_0GUm1BCvoVKvN9XJnU-Y1_LR1JsDYdy5Sb55Y9D6FKvAst1n78_AcT4uKywzPzQBFDTO0/s200/flower+seed+packet.png" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">work</span> in mouths </div><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#000066;">talk</span> to myself</div><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ffcc66;">wish</span> on eyelashes</div><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#993399;">enjoy</span> a clean home and happy children.</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#999999;">look</span> for the silver lining most of the time.</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="color:#00cccc;">smell </span>clean clothes</div><br /><br /><div>I<span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#663333;"> hide</span> my imperfections (probably just from myself)</div><br /><div> </div><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ff99ff;">pray</span> for forgiveness</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ff6666;">walk</span> on sore feet</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#009900;">sing</span> very loud and off tune in my car with the stereo turned up.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FAYmzvaa0JVkO_qXsxIb5lc0S_9Su_sABiSa26hU03sMg4K6lKAldmohGrOb-xbFiYAb1q3gSEfCq0AVnlna5j5xeCiS06BVMNP1n46A4PFF_Qc6u74RadM5KbbBt1eGYcNsIWzOFMk/s1600-h/BMU_EMB_PressedforTime_Special.png"></a> </div><div> </div><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#993399;"><span style="font-size:130%;">can</span> </span>do what I set my mind to do</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#999900;">watch</span> people.</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#339999;">yearn</span> to give my children all that they need.</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">daydream</span> about being financially set.</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;"><span style="color:#6600cc;">want</span> </span>to live a righteous life</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ff6666;">cry</span> when my hubby cries.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPdCoGMK4mpyhSTh0zXDMMsQ2MHj9L3r0hIOknx8wO2IWkyR65f4a5DksAK_ZLsHdkNp-oaJTV7ariC50WDO4MWBOUwUN4ncA5u9CWLoo9iPRYCTbcDf-Kg0krwCYUbhyphenhyphentqxDBhmvp3c/s1600-h/love+birds.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291929676411434258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 101px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPdCoGMK4mpyhSTh0zXDMMsQ2MHj9L3r0hIOknx8wO2IWkyR65f4a5DksAK_ZLsHdkNp-oaJTV7ariC50WDO4MWBOUwUN4ncA5u9CWLoo9iPRYCTbcDf-Kg0krwCYUbhyphenhyphentqxDBhmvp3c/s200/love+birds.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">read </span>the ticker tape on the news </div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">love</span> Max and cooking good food.</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#663366;">wonder</span> what the future holds for our country</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;">touch</span> people when I talk to them, usually on the arm or shoulder</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#993300;">hurt </span>when I hear of children being abused</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#990000;">fear</span> God</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ffcc00;">hope</span> to someday fit into a size 10</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#00cccc;">break</span> an egg with one hand</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">eat</span> beef tongue</div><br /><br /><div>I<span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#339999;"> quit</span> when I am done.</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#990000;">bathe</span> my dog</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#6666cc;">drink</span> my soup</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#33ff33;">save</span> coupons<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FAYmzvaa0JVkO_qXsxIb5lc0S_9Su_sABiSa26hU03sMg4K6lKAldmohGrOb-xbFiYAb1q3gSEfCq0AVnlna5j5xeCiS06BVMNP1n46A4PFF_Qc6u74RadM5KbbBt1eGYcNsIWzOFMk/s1600-h/BMU_EMB_PressedforTime_Special.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291931502965243362" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 132px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 121px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FAYmzvaa0JVkO_qXsxIb5lc0S_9Su_sABiSa26hU03sMg4K6lKAldmohGrOb-xbFiYAb1q3gSEfCq0AVnlna5j5xeCiS06BVMNP1n46A4PFF_Qc6u74RadM5KbbBt1eGYcNsIWzOFMk/s200/BMU_EMB_PressedforTime_Special.png" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div> </div><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">hug</span> people when they are feeling sad</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ff6666;">miss </span>my college friends</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#3333ff;">forgive</span> </span>quickly</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#666600;">learned</span> never to cook bacon naked</div><br /><br /><div>I<span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#00cccc;"> have</span> a warm home</div><br /><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ff6600;">don't have</span> cool cars</div><br /><div>I <span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">kiss </span>my children on the bridge of their noses.</div></div></div></div></div>Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-38642443568477364352009-01-10T16:23:00.005-05:002009-01-10T16:33:42.667-05:00Snow bunnies<div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAdWxlZjJFSCg9vzAoKX1IN1tgNEPnUxivuvvtEkQtaIyh1QNFoX051fVKem7k10P2FG58U4xOQvLgLscsBUmL-Wot_5A5b5gORScgfOoWzidf_-YXoC95XsoJCfk7NnfCMGurkfO3Is/s1600-h/snow+2009+003.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289779816853924098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAdWxlZjJFSCg9vzAoKX1IN1tgNEPnUxivuvvtEkQtaIyh1QNFoX051fVKem7k10P2FG58U4xOQvLgLscsBUmL-Wot_5A5b5gORScgfOoWzidf_-YXoC95XsoJCfk7NnfCMGurkfO3Is/s320/snow+2009+003.JPG" border="0" /></a> Yes we are getting hit with lots of snow!!! It looks like 8 inches, by our ruler, and it is still snowing. We are in our warm home, playing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wii</span>, computer and watching movies. The girls decided to play in the snow... cute kids if I do say so my self. </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneG61WfbrlLK4HlD-QtbJsRKoiDBeuULuvFC0R1dvLOKo5tXsEp8s_gfTUMnVwCNgJYk9ItaVR1VIawi9uDBjy8LyxNw63gSnTOoHkygkz7M45Yy8ltlG6AN50__c33USWvsLPD3QJVs/s1600-h/snow+2009+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289780006621422946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneG61WfbrlLK4HlD-QtbJsRKoiDBeuULuvFC0R1dvLOKo5tXsEp8s_gfTUMnVwCNgJYk9ItaVR1VIawi9uDBjy8LyxNw63gSnTOoHkygkz7M45Yy8ltlG6AN50__c33USWvsLPD3QJVs/s320/snow+2009+002.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Chloe found out that she can roll </div>down our front steps. <div>They loved the hot cocoa with whipped cream and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">marshmallows</span> that greeted them when they were ready to come in.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289780269132814690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEionAYDSPEdtm2m8YTd_3ELHw8dG0SlR-flAVs3vKBn1ltxX0mvnfukDeVWnZKPkWGsObtrzGcoBXCzU062lCzhHtsk8lWdzAfPGuqeOz6x4OYVKR9rb4v5yOsa6aixXiy8sgqGgZZJJjs/s320/snow+2009+004.JPG" border="0" /></div></div>Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-593618887728548252009-01-05T10:05:00.010-05:002009-01-05T10:40:24.560-05:00Christmas Catch up!I know it has been a while and lots of fun things have passed, so I will catch up as much as possible. <div><div><div><div><div><br /><div>My Mom and Dad have returned home from their Cambodia mission. We enjoyed the early morning airport scene. They had a nice open house and enjoyed hearing about their experiences. </div><br /><div>One Christmas gift was seeing Disney on Ice: The girls loved it!!!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287828573529888642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSU85Mt10dq3jSEWiDu27BWAa7BnarVXJEspstzxdnWTFhNiA4AbR66jO3N1hMbXLWhpptp1QCizpKE3Afrxienlj9WlNT11ek7Hq8Wx4IfykqU_k1t65l0HJ1g1iw91BQDK80Q9IVYqc/s320/christmas+2008+105.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlu3-VdV0EKMDRdO2WndaIA0D9kyMTFBAA6SjX1QBrWpjKCNIIDPSUpjWjFMVjF1FBwief9NsRpESSlrDoqPbKB9twdjwkljCGpRYnImyC7ZzRY4V34IqbEW6uDxOLpnoud5GkL9TRjw/s1600-h/christmas+2008+089.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287829623459985970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlu3-VdV0EKMDRdO2WndaIA0D9kyMTFBAA6SjX1QBrWpjKCNIIDPSUpjWjFMVjF1FBwief9NsRpESSlrDoqPbKB9twdjwkljCGpRYnImyC7ZzRY4V34IqbEW6uDxOLpnoud5GkL9TRjw/s200/christmas+2008+089.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfqOUbhFMmCBIkb6lTpz-aA_s7YY-qqAEDZOqXLOiwEYS1YPwgPXd7K5yX6tb6oaPfE-uvD8D_9jTupkFj_iKQ-865TGLi6_gP0f54416ug1NzBfsOXnYjUri75kYgwBAQSCAAU4n0JI/s1600-h/christmas+2008+096.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287829821478995890" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfqOUbhFMmCBIkb6lTpz-aA_s7YY-qqAEDZOqXLOiwEYS1YPwgPXd7K5yX6tb6oaPfE-uvD8D_9jTupkFj_iKQ-865TGLi6_gP0f54416ug1NzBfsOXnYjUri75kYgwBAQSCAAU4n0JI/s200/christmas+2008+096.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibjjcOteQDRLPZrrSM2m85zQLzr9mYSGjC1xNYYZCHmrX-zcreDXoDroOaJ4YqCDPhFxIGeDosBu5AEW6LcSMQwMVIeikXGgNex-_xcsCo6N629O5KIP384fDHhFu_B2F0VuGoenX0rc/s1600-h/christmas+2008+108.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287830052748314066" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibjjcOteQDRLPZrrSM2m85zQLzr9mYSGjC1xNYYZCHmrX-zcreDXoDroOaJ4YqCDPhFxIGeDosBu5AEW6LcSMQwMVIeikXGgNex-_xcsCo6N629O5KIP384fDHhFu_B2F0VuGoenX0rc/s200/christmas+2008+108.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /> </div><div><br /><br /><br /> </div><div>They also enjoyed Santa's work shop:<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287831036394318130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexkZ8qwj5KiNfrtBptOiBiF81tS9oYpq7JRQMIXuYZl-3xWBr8s-QrUP9IueK-CFSERqdnh9rEA1Xul7EG6TvYmaeNqwuLW3esMOV83m6CdAxpW5WjqvBIztFsCB4sQX3fTpyVDs-dhk/s320/christmas+2008+065.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF78yLBEdDtNnjJJ901pPhiURYoS5WofGjiZj7CWKeH3YAV5sdru-4QLQMoPZYG0kkeSp9bwp6kDhTWSAJH_Hh0zT2VWcYGrtdd9gu_-udHIkcbH68255ZycDd9QLIC1y0aC3z91MlgfQ/s1600-h/christmas+2008+074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287833256063551154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF78yLBEdDtNnjJJ901pPhiURYoS5WofGjiZj7CWKeH3YAV5sdru-4QLQMoPZYG0kkeSp9bwp6kDhTWSAJH_Hh0zT2VWcYGrtdd9gu_-udHIkcbH68255ZycDd9QLIC1y0aC3z91MlgfQ/s200/christmas+2008+074.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlSdV1j4UczmmJIu5j2-qbe7tlKyvxWurJDwbmFgFjRmJlpaAqzi9UAvCS-wRQz9wyNtRJfoAYKMWC1RwKEPxez681FHlfvH8uwDsktttj0v0fDsPOq16p9sturdDl_gEBKxP3KUeA1I/s1600-h/christmas+2008+069.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287833486792779698" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlSdV1j4UczmmJIu5j2-qbe7tlKyvxWurJDwbmFgFjRmJlpaAqzi9UAvCS-wRQz9wyNtRJfoAYKMWC1RwKEPxez681FHlfvH8uwDsktttj0v0fDsPOq16p9sturdDl_gEBKxP3KUeA1I/s200/christmas+2008+069.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We spent a lot of time with family this Festive Season, but forgot my camera for most of it. Besides sharing the flu with many, it was truly a wonderful way to celebrate the Birth of Christ.Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-65594304709464015702008-12-05T13:51:00.004-05:002008-12-05T14:22:43.534-05:00I Love This Season<span style="color:#990000;"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">Things I am thankful for:</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">a great family</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">a loving husband</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">a warm home </span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">The Gospel Of Jesus Christ</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Scriptures</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">my husband having a job</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">a new school that helps Alta realize her potential</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">the spirit of Christmas</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">good friends </span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">repentance</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">forgiveness</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">sweaters</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">my parents staying safe</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">my sister returning from Egypt safely</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">pre- lite Christmas trees</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">food, specially turkey dinners</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">chocolate</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">good advice</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">Life Lessons</span><br /><span style="color:#009900;">cars</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;">Things I look forward to:</span> </span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">Decorating our home with Christmas fun<br />Baking Christmas Wreaths<br />Decorating Christmas cookies<br />Christmas music<br />Cinnamon/ orange potpourri on the stove<br />Christmas pictures<br />Buying the perfect gifts<br />Wrapping and decorating these perfect gifts<br />writing a Christmas card-- hopefully sending them out<br />Greeting my parents after 18 months of having them in Cambodia<br />driving around and looking at Christmas lights<br />Searching for Santas<br />Teaching Chloe how to read<br />Kissing Max under the mistletoe<br />Teaching my children it is better to give than to receive<br />reading the Christmas story on Christmas eve</span>Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-24965044127682857652008-11-12T09:41:00.005-05:002008-11-12T10:12:03.621-05:00Thank You PesticidesI appreciate all the responses in my flea conflict. I had googled what to do before anyone had responded, and it talked of soap and water. So I washed Lexi, letting the water get up to her neck, to drown all the fleas, I found 6 fleas in the bath water. I combed and blow dried her. I still had to quarantined her to the bath tub, because I still found live fleas on her after all that. She was not a happy dog not getting to go for rides in the car when ever we left, or play with her girls, or sleep with them at night. It was a hard time for her and us listening to her whelp. Max called the vet and they suggested Front line, to just pick up at the pet store. Max went and they were all out of Front line, but he picked up "Spot On"(a cheaper competitor) It is a chemical pesticide that is placed on the neck. I guess it worked because by the time I got home from work (because I don't work for the government and most people don't get Veterans day off), Max said he couldn't find any fleas on her. I had washed all the bedding and vacuumed all the areas she lays. So she is out of the quarantined bath tub, on her clean pillow, and we will see if there is a re infestation. I hope not. Only time will tell... approx 2 weeks. I wonder how safe these pesticides are for my family? If you have read my blog, or know me at all, you would know I hate bugs...not just fleas, not just spiders, any kind of bug. My question is will this chemical cause cancer in my children later on? I wonder if it is this like burning down the house to get rid of fleas, sure it does the job, but I wonder what I am left with? Just wondering.... in the mean time the girls are all back together.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267788405516400210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfouLS1JQ3kf636d_QtLIyK4CD2QEpFE8idERlNrScZKgnLqZRzYMx_z9sReEJC3UAdLsJviqbTLeJ-pt7aHEHIk-lWn0YIf0EcFQ8AmEwvbOAnGvrNN9aderZCLfNLXgJujhlX-kHwo/s400/Alta's+photography+004.JPG" border="0" />Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-30727704354300639022008-11-10T00:40:00.004-05:002008-11-10T00:59:56.665-05:00Fleas!!!Our cute Shih Tuz dog Lexi has fleas. Does anyone have a full proof way of getting rid of them?? I need help? Should I just get a collar, should I wash her with a special soap? What has helped anyone out there in the blogging world? What do I have to do to my home? I haven't noticed any around, just on her. She has a skin condition that makes her itch, but Saturday, Max saw a flea on her, so I don't know how long she has had them. My girls (or I ) don't want to play with her and her little doggie heart is breaking. What should I do to get rid of these nasty pests? This pic is before getting fleas.... they would sleep with each other all the time. Isn't this cute.<br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266901719870487458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynpMKiy73lokpb2kMcFgTc2ge-vasFlQCgcn4BEhFQKW_wP6STVpMqLYZN0QCm_UjXUmp3i3Bao4zzdyLn93TYJY3Pa8bictCI8agU9Dm_Fr6B9o0RYSkrW49wgE0Wdf_b40oHZTfOyQ/s320/fireworks+001.JPG" border="0" /> Now poor little Lexi is all alone.... actually she isn't allowed on any furniture or blankets or pillow except her own doggie pillow.<br />Having Lexi for 2 1/2 years and this is the first flea problem, isn't too too bad.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_fNz2fMEO1RVxoGrAzfygHAuRZg9VTOw_4BkoP07hYlcnhxwVbWjQekzOxBmwWGnPT5xnX8-sYpvujneGzsrdgU9fRWf4rC46m4t8F2kDNL1FPioeOJKRYjZnrntN2Ul2SVa5-BSTj8/s1600-h/Alta's+photography+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266903513383126674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_fNz2fMEO1RVxoGrAzfygHAuRZg9VTOw_4BkoP07hYlcnhxwVbWjQekzOxBmwWGnPT5xnX8-sYpvujneGzsrdgU9fRWf4rC46m4t8F2kDNL1FPioeOJKRYjZnrntN2Ul2SVa5-BSTj8/s200/Alta's+photography+002.JPG" border="0" /></a>Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-57238265922700076322008-11-07T11:53:00.006-05:002008-11-07T14:22:03.014-05:00Picture TaggedIt was a few weeks ago that I got tagged, but I did not realize it. It was while I was away at a funeral in Utah. Sorry it has taken me so long, but I guess the rules of the game are this....<a href="http://kimlis2008.blogspot.com/">Phyllis Kimmel </a>tagged me and I am to go to my picture file click on the 4th folder and then cli<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfFmoidFmOrMlg3Cn4HpBlcQkoRJDQcVgJ4ko_mT4Koy-B1rejSz-k741vyYnjuzaEPpewGQjgGnA4ZJWOsMZObGjO9zuxIzYWEzNfXJqs7j71_Yo9lu5glTbTCqUID_74DUKcsxqnHo/s1600-h/BMU_EMB_PressedforTime_Special.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265984833630528210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 96px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfFmoidFmOrMlg3Cn4HpBlcQkoRJDQcVgJ4ko_mT4Koy-B1rejSz-k741vyYnjuzaEPpewGQjgGnA4ZJWOsMZObGjO9zuxIzYWEzNfXJqs7j71_Yo9lu5glTbTCqUID_74DUKcsxqnHo/s200/BMU_EMB_PressedforTime_Special.png" border="0" /></a>ck on the 4th picture and post it....<br /><br />So here it is, one of my favorite pictures of Alta summer of '07<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfFmoidFmOrMlg3Cn4HpBlcQkoRJDQcVgJ4ko_mT4Koy-B1rejSz-k741vyYnjuzaEPpewGQjgGnA4ZJWOsMZObGjO9zuxIzYWEzNfXJqs7j71_Yo9lu5glTbTCqUID_74DUKcsxqnHo/s1600-h/BMU_EMB_PressedforTime_Special.png"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265961156536796114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 419px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGYYQVccaMeft2IDB516P_4ySuPl88haHql8hCFkLX6SG96O7jBAQqXGysSIwM_Mjw3Tn8HakhgoVSl-UNET6gojUMQ4vgttyU2oibZ_lWju6Dl4HjZDXY2umtqMUaa_bSVnKmXDuGfY/s400/The+police+010.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><p>Isn't she a beautiful girl. I love her smile and the way she is looking at me. We were just goofing around with pictures one Sunday afternoon. Boy do I love this girl. She warms my heart.<br />Now I get to tag 4 others...<br /><a href="http://wholovesmimi.blogspot.com/">Mimi</a></p><p><a href="http://walltowallwahls.blogspot.com/">Michelle</a></p><p><a href="http://4happygirls1luckyguy.blogspot.com/">Shelly</a></p><p><a href="http://dailymoose.blogspot.com/">Emily</a></p>Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-74507487608155759162008-11-05T14:47:00.005-05:002008-11-05T15:00:08.588-05:00Halloween Costumes... Finally<div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_A0f6SzjxE6P03l_FgPzKfC62L6qsjzZKiObRUPpA6EBk_fdJgqCXG4CNtNFfOTSrEVVmJYXAwgk0NOFo_PPlAIJ4yaFEdSBRHA64pKiXThJFV6_vHJxdxoCQEeonFiH01PR-2O3goA/s1600-h/halloween+trick+or+treat08+047.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265264314408217266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_A0f6SzjxE6P03l_FgPzKfC62L6qsjzZKiObRUPpA6EBk_fdJgqCXG4CNtNFfOTSrEVVmJYXAwgk0NOFo_PPlAIJ4yaFEdSBRHA64pKiXThJFV6_vHJxdxoCQEeonFiH01PR-2O3goA/s400/halloween+trick+or+treat08+047.JPG" border="0" /></a>I know it took me long enough...here</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265264664879920322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7euV0g_XdT39hBBC3evaOCUgSaUDWOHcMOmMWGGMA5h7duKhfFrSPz-rzSEhD4Le9o-O07TABDi9aV_Q9vmZz_Fds-kUsKqmHjVBCpfaS2oLwgQd907xBcMomLV5CEQisqgDTQF-1i4/s320/halloween+trick+or+treat08+037.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265265029768178082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 327px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwAvGtXUXah8rxcfM1JR_2CkIQzY8goJkdv53eSd8Rez0XGJcYbkL4e9Snx7kpR40ffl-81MSPzs0ufAxs8OYZZBT3eQpMO2Gh7tb-JcgYSpkzsa7MEXaGsYAVIh37Q9XcTcL371tI60/s320/halloween+trick+or+treat08+045.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-45230676547926269372008-10-20T11:25:00.002-04:002008-10-20T12:16:51.881-04:00Ghostly Ghost Craft<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCt4vS-oZvwVWsFdW977i1Jwpl87Bwzw8FCS_GfBfJH-B3B61vUiRySlhsaTOm9673d_GPLj5UqP64fjWl335Ez_nfMkzOgLiF8WdDlZrk8vwYu0l4PukXMmqBa_wY1bkoYxqa2Smrm0/s1600-h/halloween+craft+002.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259258379926027458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCt4vS-oZvwVWsFdW977i1Jwpl87Bwzw8FCS_GfBfJH-B3B61vUiRySlhsaTOm9673d_GPLj5UqP64fjWl335Ez_nfMkzOgLiF8WdDlZrk8vwYu0l4PukXMmqBa_wY1bkoYxqa2Smrm0/s320/halloween+craft+002.JPG" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259258396042183458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqW6isyaFTAvEP_jy4jytmszrzhMu1AfsNlNZG8GKVRrg768nePTKPAF4L_fyo9D3nIiSSfOKPAqOsQYj_eZrkj3saSrLuNcDzXYd_hbWYZ7CriDlqyXAkSs4Ht9Zk5mxheOInQnewpOw/s320/halloween+craft+003.JPG" border="0" />All one would need are a few simple things,<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Cheese cloth</strong></span> cut into various sizes, depending on how big you want your spooky ghost.(you want the cloth to be bigger than the balloon, it needs extra length all around the balloon.)<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Liquid starch</span></strong>... I looked all over and old faithful Walmart was the only store in the area to carry it.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Balloons-</strong> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">the size you would like your ghosts to be, I had a couple different sizes, I think a real small balloon/ ghost would be cute.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Sharpie marker</strong></span>, black preferable.<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Newspaper-</strong></span><span style="font-size:100%;">to protect the working surface</span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Time-</span></strong>about 8 hours give or take<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259258383397364082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-3pAR26aOkmJRQrayabHMgrVmbpjOrypUvcwaAZwSCQkxg9TjvcXDJQxs3cimJZ0wif6lelWYNKsg8s5dhQF5pyzWpM1MoPjMrvp49JVm3Er4Gd80hb7TaLirieftZMGnqlQPPTdNLTM/s320/halloween+craft+005.JPG" border="0" /><br />All you have to do is.... 1st lay out newspaper, then blow up balloon to preferred size, I had a difficult time getting the balloon to stay still as I was working with it, so I got a canning lid hole side up and place the knot of the balloon into hole and slipped under edge of ring to hold it in place. Then the weight of the cloth will set it in place.<br />dump liquid starch into a flat container (a bowl was difficult to work with),<br />take your cut to size Cheese Cloth open it to full size, then drench the cloth into the liquid starch. Squeeze the extra starch out of cloth. Carefully open to full size again and spread out the wet cheese cloth.<br />Cover balloon, leaving fun floating cloth edges around the balloon on the table.<br />This edging is what the finished product/Ghost stands on and give the ghostly spooky appearance.<br />Then wait, constantly tell children to leave it alone. I did it at night time to minimize this last step and let it dry overnight.<br />In the morning, most of the cheese cloth was dry except for a thick part of the edging where it was folded. I then drew a face on the ghost with the sharpie marker. Cut the knotted side of the balloon (i did not want to pop it). As the balloon shrank, it pulled away from the cheese cloth and Voila! A Ghostly Ghost. Place around the house to decorate or Halloween. <br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259258395321362210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Jb5YCtduK2PYZfZHvK1L1g6cJsNSdj0ohbSpDxwt8k3RVSDUSRIdJ2zzSwZxFj2PeKoT3RTLZl5JtvFF599XQsvIvMoUnV0YBpTVBQiK2Yyn9Tzg4Y6u1el1Dxv3kLa4qfF0Iz6CVdE/s320/halloween+craft+001.JPG" border="0" />Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-30213364500503115272008-10-19T17:16:00.002-04:002008-10-19T17:34:03.840-04:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8Ob70A8vrty4Oy9PYoEPToGdkosoBSE5S2NOss09JoIUE1DXaMbY_fSQXiefIP8EAPLIynAn75LqQLMio7gSI4SXsVLLzXG0hhO6TOtQIoVpJvcpnPXTKzi9WDJFjcrK8G54lXpaEpA/s1600-h/Haunted+forest+08.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258977373019600162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8Ob70A8vrty4Oy9PYoEPToGdkosoBSE5S2NOss09JoIUE1DXaMbY_fSQXiefIP8EAPLIynAn75LqQLMio7gSI4SXsVLLzXG0hhO6TOtQIoVpJvcpnPXTKzi9WDJFjcrK8G54lXpaEpA/s400/Haunted+forest+08.JPG" border="0" /></a> We sure had a nice time at the haunted forest in the Carlyle Reservation. It is free of charge, and that means lots of people. They moved us along quickly, but there were some roadblocks. Especially at the pumpkin patch and the scary haunted houses along the path. It was really neat to see 300 carved lighted jack-o-lanterns suspended above a pond. The reflections in the water made it seem even more pumpkins than there were. There was also a spinning bridge called the Vortex. It gave such an optical illusion that even Chloe loved it and wanted to do it over and over. It was a bridge that went through a tunnel that was spinning, as you entered the tunnel the inside was painted with florescent paint and had a black light illuminating the decor. You seriously had the feeling the bridge was turning over. I had to hold onto the railing half way through. Very fun. Through out the trail were several haunted homes, some were "friendly" some were "scary" I was glad they let you know before entering to determine what child would enjoy. It seems Alta loved the scary, Chloe not so much, we kept her out of the scary houses. Chloe was a little nervous with the fluorescent hanging plastic skeletons along the trail. She held her daddy's big hand to keep her safe.<br />It was so nice spending some time with Christine and her kids. We were so excited to have them visit. I realize how nice it is to be with family and share time with them. Thanks for making the trip, and spending time with us. We loved it!!<br /><div></div>Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-69909741043298863952008-10-03T12:22:00.004-04:002008-10-03T13:14:09.861-04:00FallI enjoy the crisp of air, the newness of school, the new colors of red, orange, and yellow, as the trees turn from green to color. I love having my windows open and fresh air through the house. I am finding I enjoy fall weather more and more. I am in process of changing my home from summer fun to the cooler months. We did the inevitable clean out the garage, organize all the garden tools and lawn toys, putting to the back of the garage. It is definitely a season of change. Change is a good thing, it keeps us on our toes, gives us variety (which is the spice of life), and allows us to focus and remember what is important.Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-48763019972810997012008-09-24T21:23:00.002-04:002008-09-24T21:40:58.818-04:00Homework!!!!!Okay, so we have been in school for a few weeks. Lots of new things going on, but can anyone give me hints as to how to do all this homework and soccer and church and dinner and yard and dishes and bedtime and and and..etc..... I have a child who has a difficult time doing homework every afternoon. I am having challenges. She is grumpy, hyper, and irritated at this time of day and it doesn't get better later on. Plus she has things to do in the evening so this is the only time to do homework. I try to stay happy, positive focus on getting it done. Today she had a soccer game needing to be there at 5:40, we started homework, 4:10, she did not stay on task. I had told her from the beginning homework first. It must be done or she will not be able to play at her soccer game. 5:30 rolls around. She is not done(this is after many reminders). I called her soccer coach and told her the situation and if and when she comes she will come to support the team but not play. After this transpires she threw such a royal fit, seriously more than I have ever seen her throw, screaming at the top of her lungs in frustration. I sent her to her room to cool down, explaining that if she finishes her homework she could go to the game, but will not play. (I am amazed I kept my cool and "responded" not "reacted" to her) After 5 or so minutes of cooling down she came directly out of the room to the table and finished rather rapidly. There were only 20 mins left in the game when she got there but, she sat on the sides with the team, but did not play. <br />I am searching for help... suggestions,... ideas that have helped you with challenging children to do homework. I love this child, but hate the attitude.Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-52677431936992545192008-09-03T10:34:00.003-04:002008-09-03T12:15:26.663-04:003rd GradeAlta did go back to school. We are going to a new school this year. So far I love the attitude and environment she is in. I know when she feels comfortable in a place she will excel and feel more confident. Today when I was dropping her off, she said "Mom, I am glad I am going to this school. I like it a lot better." I got all happy inside, because I want her to love school and learning.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241828423901081106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnc580bxy3Y8EsasJm_awuvK3cWjQ2VuJy8dsq_fuL3gzlYhbTHMa0LHurVHcEIgyMQaLmghMsaF018R_nwmetB12fSgUQjsITXBABvFTPKCHFtQlurWayQepuiX_4jex9JVup6QANMw/s400/Back+to+school+2008.JPG" border="0" /><br />Yea!!!!!!Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-15239877612491330692008-09-02T12:02:00.003-04:002008-09-02T12:29:34.175-04:00Whew I am glad last week is over!I can get back to normal with Max healthy and back to work. He had some chest pains that really resembled heart problems and with his family history we did not want to take any chances. We worried all week that "something" was going on. There is only one way to know if he is having a heart attack, by doing a cardio gram, which includes a catheter inserted into his superior vena cava (ie. major leg vein) placing a dye into all the arteries and with Xrays looking at all the arteries in the heart to see if there are any blockages. Well after hearing all the possibilities Max and I were pretty worried. We were very grateful for doctors who knew what to do and was willing to be quick. (allowing minimum time to worry) With all the nervousness, prayers, and well wishing the procedure was quick. The cardiologist said he is all clear and looks great!!! Well even after the procedure and we got home (after 4 hours of laying down) he still complained of a chest pain... I looked at him and said you can have all the chest pains you want.... I now know it isn't a heart attack. What a relief. Maybe you shouldn't play the Wii for a while. wink wink. We are glad everything is okay. ...sigh of relief.Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-80269909812073815382008-08-25T10:06:00.005-04:002008-08-25T10:28:34.326-04:00Easing the burden<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMDszh3BSL-wun3eNIFBOW9NYdDkrWLbOBiZ6Ngl1owmblTLHiQILHK3wM6AFVDKxwigzpYMpjVzfzeIx-6ROH3Xa12EwWNsBFqyCspsq1G91Fcp0IdjDFZx5W2QuE9GBfhC1Xg_NEYE/s1600-h/MJO_FloralSpringtime_Emb_Flwr-tulip.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238461125538007138" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMDszh3BSL-wun3eNIFBOW9NYdDkrWLbOBiZ6Ngl1owmblTLHiQILHK3wM6AFVDKxwigzpYMpjVzfzeIx-6ROH3Xa12EwWNsBFqyCspsq1G91Fcp0IdjDFZx5W2QuE9GBfhC1Xg_NEYE/s200/MJO_FloralSpringtime_Emb_Flwr-tulip.png" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I am<span style="font-size:130%;"> amazed</span> at how people make all the <span style="font-size:180%;">difference</span> of sticky situations. My family had a <span style="font-size:85%;">slight</span> CRISIS yesterday and I am so <span style="font-size:130%;">grateful</span> for people helping and serving. Not that I like being at the <span style="font-size:85%;">hand of service</span>, but it always <span style="font-size:180%;">amazes</span> me of how willing people are to <span style="font-size:130%;">step up</span> and help. It made EVERY aspect of our situation less burdensome. I again understand why Christ has asked us to <span style="font-size:180%;">love</span> our neighbor and help <span style="font-size:180%;">ease</span> the burdens of others. It makes challenging situations easier to bear. I hope that I am able to serve and <span style="font-size:130%;">"pay it forward</span>" being aware of others<span style="font-size:180%;"> every</span> need and help ease their<span style="font-size:180%;"> burdens</span>. I appreciate all the prayers, visits, calls, food, babysitting and help. Wow I am overwhelmed with<span style="font-size:180%;"> gratitude</span>. THANK YOU!!!</div>Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-2823035857351719962008-08-13T13:22:00.006-04:002008-08-14T21:02:25.088-04:00COOKIES!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhT2nja7XSkGKpI6-BC0zVzKf_gtbXX4ZzUPiUamlGry-tykptYZlFqMERmLCki_QPli2MnoU-IUk1201v8s5TlKgfwznpPoUIhwEEKAKbr9jj1RweIbzgdea1LRkWCIjXo9Qr7b0sS4/s1600-h/Sunset+Beach+NC+7,2008+048.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234058841895960306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhT2nja7XSkGKpI6-BC0zVzKf_gtbXX4ZzUPiUamlGry-tykptYZlFqMERmLCki_QPli2MnoU-IUk1201v8s5TlKgfwznpPoUIhwEEKAKbr9jj1RweIbzgdea1LRkWCIjXo9Qr7b0sS4/s400/Sunset+Beach+NC+7,2008+048.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>My friend <a href="http://kevinkoi.blogspot.com/">Katrina</a> has introduced me to some awesome cookie recipes. She truly has a knack for great recipes and loves to bake. She is on a quest for the ultimate cookie. In her expedition she came across Jacque Torres. He is quite famous and has 3 gourmet cookie stores in New York City. On her visit there she went to try one out for herself. Loving it, she researched and found how to duplicate his cookie. Here is my attempt to follow the directions. I have to say a few things that really made this cookie the ultimate to me is using chocolate discs instead of chips. I, like Treeni, got the Hershey bliss chocolate candy and using a sharp knife sliced them in 3rds making thin discs of chocolate. This technique has the chocolate laying flat through out the cookies in layers ooey gooey chocolate then layer of cookie and then another layer of chocolate in the same bite. I like the texture this provides as I bit into the cookie. The thing that I did was also use the milk chocolate bliss, and mixed the two chocolates. So there is to have different intensities to the chocolate. All semi chocolate seems too much and all milk chocolate seemed not enough... so I mixed them in the same cookie. The other technique I learned from this recipe is to allow the cookie dough to meld together in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This really allowed all the flavors to penetrate the cookie dough leaving an even more flavorful cookie. When I tasted the cookie I immediately enjoyed the vanilla. It was more powerful in flavor than my other recipes have been. I believe this is due to the refrigeration process. Here is the recipe for all to try and delight over. Who knows maybe you could be the next Jaques Torres?<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqQ5KvyBP1ngqe3_cn3UjYau7W6yXaIRKFkNkaDQcuT_d198IkRxb2LHS96WyTsxkPSaK6rdVVoxsJSKsVNXXf4CPv-FwTarmxmSmSjkb2Hz8cj6F92s6jMBbsBBuuD5ipH7oTJy1zLI/s1600-h/Sunset+Beach+NC+7,2008+054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234069687560323602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqQ5KvyBP1ngqe3_cn3UjYau7W6yXaIRKFkNkaDQcuT_d198IkRxb2LHS96WyTsxkPSaK6rdVVoxsJSKsVNXXf4CPv-FwTarmxmSmSjkb2Hz8cj6F92s6jMBbsBBuuD5ipH7oTJy1zLI/s200/Sunset+Beach+NC+7,2008+054.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here is Alta enjoying the cookies.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div>Chocolate Chip Cookies<br />Published: July 9, 2008<br />Adapted from Jacques Torres <a name="secondParagraph"></a><br />Time: 45 minutes (for 1 6-cookie batch), plus at least 24 hours’ chilling<br />2 cups minus 2 tablespoons<br />(8 1/2 ounces) cake flour<br />1 2/3 cups (8 1/2 ounces) bread flour<br />1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda<br />1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder<br />1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt<br />2 1/2 sticks (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter<br />1 1/4 cups (10 ounces) light brown sugar<br />1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (8 ounces) granulated sugar<br />2 large eggs<br />2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract<br />1 1/4 pounds bittersweet <a title="More articles about chocolate." href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/c/chocolate/index.html?inline=nyt-classifier">chocolate</a> disks or fèves, at least 60 percent cacao content (see note)<br />Sea salt.<br />1. Sift flours, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Set aside.<br />2. Using a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars together until very light, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Reduce speed to low, add dry ingredients and mix until just combined, 5 to 10 seconds. Drop chocolate pieces in and incorporate them without breaking them. Press plastic wrap against dough and refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours. Dough may be used in batches, and can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours.<br />3. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. Set aside.<br />4. Scoop 6 3 1/2-ounce mounds of dough (the size of generous golf balls) onto baking sheet, making sure to turn horizontally any chocolate pieces that are poking up; it will make for a more attractive cookie. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and bake until golden brown but still soft, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer sheet to a wire rack for 10 minutes, then slip cookies onto another rack to cool a bit more. Repeat with remaining dough, or reserve dough, refrigerated, for baking remaining batches the next day. Eat warm, with a big napkin.<br />Yield: 1 1/2 dozen 5-inch cookies.<br />Note: Disks are sold at <a title="More articles about Jacques Torres." href="http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/t/jacques_torres/index.html?inline=nyt-per">Jacques Torres</a> Chocolate; Valrhona fèves, oval-shaped chocolate pieces, are at Whole Foods.</div>Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-83755917630457271532008-07-29T14:17:00.007-04:002008-07-29T14:35:16.433-04:00Our Vacation<div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4IRdKG_OgEo4J52-QCydCqs7WA85yDgsxi1WiJ_6NvJYbLtHq0ljk9pc5p8XCjUCjVbExU2w-Ix_gJSkGnnRu_-XNljMdh9L_MQ9NXmFosLfA5r8OynaJIX4wIeYjzrtR5Y6KSDpH40/s1600-h/sunset+g708.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228503809775177906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4IRdKG_OgEo4J52-QCydCqs7WA85yDgsxi1WiJ_6NvJYbLtHq0ljk9pc5p8XCjUCjVbExU2w-Ix_gJSkGnnRu_-XNljMdh9L_MQ9NXmFosLfA5r8OynaJIX4wIeYjzrtR5Y6KSDpH40/s400/sunset+g708.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g8eFRpFYvK2OSIRZmqW-nvK7Bmja2oT3erCUsCbqGKRVyORpucPnuI8hirPg-tnr8EzfY0WHew3bICnkV5pfEO_At9qBOMQneZBgzPuvc3H46gxjXV5yBbHjdgFxElQhmmG63p_CerE/s1600-h/Suset+A708.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228503636153355938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g8eFRpFYvK2OSIRZmqW-nvK7Bmja2oT3erCUsCbqGKRVyORpucPnuI8hirPg-tnr8EzfY0WHew3bICnkV5pfEO_At9qBOMQneZBgzPuvc3H46gxjXV5yBbHjdgFxElQhmmG63p_CerE/s400/Suset+A708.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHqybR45F26rdkKGq9O9NXqut8j-OoiZuqLqnBsdpUh7TRARZITKcovLlUIql7WWzOqs5RhADpGyTATnpc4TbzgilLtEQT5qxd8h1_sQiZzGf6o_VnCMKbsDQwGY9uBvvpRmGS9AL5oE/s1600-h/sunset+708.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228502198157473746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHqybR45F26rdkKGq9O9NXqut8j-OoiZuqLqnBsdpUh7TRARZITKcovLlUIql7WWzOqs5RhADpGyTATnpc4TbzgilLtEQT5qxd8h1_sQiZzGf6o_VnCMKbsDQwGY9uBvvpRmGS9AL5oE/s400/sunset+708.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gj4MXxRhRw4d5vTkzU_NjnNbsWRtmeIw2OEln_BIs25w-unBcG_3O5bubULsrMcmxt83nmVK-iC-mWI4c1gO6KLFNG40d8WgDAzn3MORhMG_L0sv19SEdDMooR0ey6DwndsI-Q-kDIQ/s1600-h/Sunset+Beach+NC+7,2008+034.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228504260009566962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_gj4MXxRhRw4d5vTkzU_NjnNbsWRtmeIw2OEln_BIs25w-unBcG_3O5bubULsrMcmxt83nmVK-iC-mWI4c1gO6KLFNG40d8WgDAzn3MORhMG_L0sv19SEdDMooR0ey6DwndsI-Q-kDIQ/s320/Sunset+Beach+NC+7,2008+034.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Our cute clean fun beach house. I loved being on the top deck! Great place to read, tan, sit at night with hubby and enjoy the relaxing sound of waves. I like the colors of the house. I think I will paint my kitchen to match. White cabinets and robin egg bl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjE9nSe_vZq6RB1mm2qqtGx1pMTrcZMAGiT4Z9f1bA_AwlDmXBPPDGLyyYsFpwvz0d_yux6mlQJXNE_dsOAGjWbqb47GST-IZW7nrerrEn_HYV4Bj2iwnC_axXob55GNIBuQVb4qDtaqM/s1600-h/Sunset+Beach+NC+7,2008+033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228505336139763538" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjE9nSe_vZq6RB1mm2qqtGx1pMTrcZMAGiT4Z9f1bA_AwlDmXBPPDGLyyYsFpwvz0d_yux6mlQJXNE_dsOAGjWbqb47GST-IZW7nrerrEn_HYV4Bj2iwnC_axXob55GNIBuQVb4qDtaqM/s320/Sunset+Beach+NC+7,2008+033.JPG" border="0" /></a>ue walls. Nice reminder of the beach.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvb5n7k_3PL6vJOPHQrWVSGCvmcDXZG1_v7_aLnS2kvAk9pBjDefHUI8Ud971PnlRvZYiTOGfWXynGYTbXtiHnGDWks3sFpLFqF_ExPtVTuVbpyiyUIbxg9GZ9VE23sBVEEiHaM2RnMTo/s1600-h/Sunset+Beach+NC+7,2008+038.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228505774408623538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvb5n7k_3PL6vJOPHQrWVSGCvmcDXZG1_v7_aLnS2kvAk9pBjDefHUI8Ud971PnlRvZYiTOGfWXynGYTbXtiHnGDWks3sFpLFqF_ExPtVTuVbpyiyUIbxg9GZ9VE23sBVEEiHaM2RnMTo/s320/Sunset+Beach+NC+7,2008+038.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>We all had a fantastic time. Loved it!!! Sure would love to share it with all. </p>Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-74536385673693173172008-07-09T11:48:00.003-04:002008-07-09T11:51:08.262-04:00Alta's Pixie cut<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgNsGrqG3CSawJ3DLiLskNEuDdxa9215OgB08oQWl05z6CK2iMOdLD6Bv11mzaPaSx-zXoR-QCWpqeKtj8p3QcHZ9x_CvdnPmsnVfN_yHiXFYeRs5Njs7QoNt0AcpnxPjgyIz5i3cIUU/s1600-h/Alta+pixie+cut.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221041961243521698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgNsGrqG3CSawJ3DLiLskNEuDdxa9215OgB08oQWl05z6CK2iMOdLD6Bv11mzaPaSx-zXoR-QCWpqeKtj8p3QcHZ9x_CvdnPmsnVfN_yHiXFYeRs5Njs7QoNt0AcpnxPjgyIz5i3cIUU/s400/Alta+pixie+cut.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br />The solution to the no bangs and no pony tail.... a Pixie cut. She loves her short hair. Very Sassy.</div>Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1650083436532896594.post-16412494708058891242008-07-07T10:30:00.005-04:002008-07-07T11:47:35.510-04:00My Birthday Present<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3y1Fu2yN71DjvrBvdSw7CrrH36RgwPREWGXY97jZl59SxyIxV6MdBN_CXPLL1lx3z2d6nFYFF1qNj8B9m11UZwPl6QB1KIcoB9fC7TaCEG35oSaVKNAAaLICGuYX4sBeNAxppjRgU0U/s1600-h/piano+008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220293164137381730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3y1Fu2yN71DjvrBvdSw7CrrH36RgwPREWGXY97jZl59SxyIxV6MdBN_CXPLL1lx3z2d6nFYFF1qNj8B9m11UZwPl6QB1KIcoB9fC7TaCEG35oSaVKNAAaLICGuYX4sBeNAxppjRgU0U/s400/piano+008.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I began piano lessons when I was 8 years old. I played all through high school. I have always loved music. My mom said I wouldn't nurse as a baby unless classical music was playing in the background. I often play Brahms loudly in my car and conduct it to myself as I am driving. Classical piano music fills a place inside of me that is rarely touched. It can be so powerful and peaceful and enriching all at the same time. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Now I am no where near in talent able to play to this extreme. I would love to increase my talent to that point, but it will take me many, many years. I have to restart and relearn things I have forgotten, but that will be done quicker, as I now have a piano in my home. I got the piano from a dear lady who was ready to get rid of her piano. There is a web site that I use that is free and people put on the list of things that they are in need of, or want to get rid of. The site is freecycle.com it is in most major areas. I placed and ad "wanted piano", and about a month later this lady emailed me saying she was ready to give her piano away and was wondering if I was still interested. Of course I was and got movers there as soon as I could. It just happened they had an opening on my birthday. Happy for me!!! The moment I got it I cleaned it. It had a lot of dust in all the wood work and the keys are yellow with tape on them. I got to scrape that off and give the piano a little love. One key sticks and a few need more pressure to hear the sound, and of course needs tuned, but I have a piano and I can play it. I got a beginner book to learn the basics for Alta. She has had one lesson and is practicing every day. Chloe is right with her in wanting to play. Here are some videos of Chloe playing. Unfortunately there is no sound, but it is a joy none the less. The first one she doesn't know I am there and she is singing at the top of her lungs. The second one she is replaying peter peter pumpkin rhyme I played for her earlier. She said to me mom I can play the "man eating a pumpkin song". Notice as she crosses her hands. Pretty darn cute!</div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='425' height='299' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy5FNax2v61urEuOLihVuGgzTnAWqkcw050edb6gg2v6P2q1sfA4yH_bkGcj_6IvJFSMecM5F6H2P77nh5g4A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='429' height='314' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzyrfyjqtNi1EWGmtsH8uxg4zAT-JL-VEPb5huw_fq_yZUq32Q3zOenumz6IIHuS-sm6wJ5JPS6boejgtI9' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Max and Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02841347255809831364noreply@blogger.com6